9-day probe into Jasher’s death begins

A four-member team of experts has begun its investigation into the death of six-year-old Jasher Francois, though it remains unclear whether the medical personnel who administered the drug have been sent on leave.

The probe, commissioned by Health Minister Dr Lackram Bodoe on the instruction of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, is expected to be completed by August 20.

The independent team includes Dr Camanee Lutchman, Consultant Paediatrician at the North Central Regional Health Authority; Claudine Sheppard, a registered nurse with experience in quality assurance; former Northwest Regional Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr Elizabeth Persad; and Paediatric Intensive Care Specialist Denelle Singh, who is also an attorney and former Senior Legal Associate at the Children’s Authority.

Dr Bodoe said the committee will determine whether the proper standard of care, clinical judgement and professional responsibilities were upheld. He said the ministry remains committed to transparency, accountability and maintaining the highest standards of care, with a focus on children’s safety and well-being.

Jasher died on Thursday at the San Fernando Teaching Hospital after being given an intravenous drug. He had been admitted for a dry cough but died shortly after receiving the drug.

A first autopsy found aspiration pneumonitis, likely triggered by viral pneumonia. A second privately commissioned autopsy also recorded aspiration pneumonitis but listed additional findings: pleural petechiae, cyanosis of the extremities, marked cerebral oedema, and acute renal injury.

The funeral will take place on Saturday at Baptist Ambassadors Church, St John’s Village, San Fernando.